HOPE Consortium, the UAE-based public-private partnership tasked with coordinating the safe and efficient international distribution of billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines, has announced the addition of new partners.

Joining a group of world-renowned freight forwarders, Bolloré Logistics, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, DHL, FedEx Express, MICCO Logistics, RSA Global, and UPS will add their expertise, infrastructure, and capabilities to meet the complex requirements of planning demand, storing and transporting billions of vaccine doses under cold and ultra-cold conditions.

Spearheaded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the HOPE Consortium comprises some of the UAE’s and global leading supply chain solution players, including Abu Dhabi Ports, as lead partner, Etihad Cargo and Rafed, as well as Switzerland’s SkyCell.

Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, commented: “Increasing our partners to 16 enables the HOPE consortium to continue to expand its reach and services to be a major player in the global logistical space for distributing billions of doses of Covid-19 vaccines, despite the great logistical challenge of transporting doses safely while maintaining their integrity.

“Partnering with more world-class freight forwarders enables the consortium to address the different needs of countries, NGOs, and pharma needs for most of the world. The consortium is part of the UAE’s efforts to provide solutions that support the global fight against Covid-19.”